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March is Women's History Month
HEADLINES
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RECENT COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS FOR PHILADELPHIA
Week of 03/20 - 03/26 (Sat to Fri) (7 days):
New confirmed cases this week: 2749 (average of about 393 cases/day)
Previous three weeks (earliest to most recent): 1720, 1785, 2210
Deaths this week: 23
Previous three weeks (earliest to most recent): 61, 21, 55
Vaccinations so far:
First Dose: 287,433 as of 3/27/21 9:20 a.m.
Second Dose: 203,824 as of 3/27/21 9:20 a.m.
Philadelphia's population is a little over 1.5 million
Correction: last week the figure reported here for first doses was incorrect - the number shown last week, 404,396, was the total number of doses (first and second) as of last week, This week's numbers are accurate.
Data are from Mon.-Fri. press briefings by the City and Department of Health, such as this one covering 03/20/21-03/22/21. These figures do not include "presumptive" new cases, a much smaller number of cases which are reported each day by the City. Vaccination data now available here.
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SPECIAL NEWSLETTER SECTIONS
COVID-19:
CLICK HERE to jump to the Newsletter's constantly changing COVID-19 update section.
CLICK HERE to jump to our Pandemic Virtual Events section.
CEDAR PARK HISTORY CHEST
CLICK HERE to jump to CPN's ongoing pictorial exploration of local history.
PHILADELPHIA + BEYOND
Philly's (108-year-)oldest resident gets vaccinated. A miniature rowhouse as street art. One-third of Philly is behind in water payments. And more!
CLICK HERE to jump to our expanded news section
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You know the mantra:
- stay indoors as much as possible.
- wear a mask when outside (it's mandatory) and practice social distancing
- wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
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MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE CITY'S "VACCINATION INTEREST" FORM. IT'S HOW YOU CAN REGISTER TO BE ALERTED WHEN THE CITY WILL BE SCHEDULING VACCINATIONS FOR YOUR "PHASE".
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NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR CPN'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Are you interested in serving your community as a board member for Cedar Park Neighbors? We’re looking for new members to serve two-year terms that begin on June 1, 2021. Please email your nomination (name, email address, home or work street address, and why you wish to run for the board) to David Hincher, 1st Vice President.
Are you a long-time resident or have you recently moved to the neighborhood? Are you a renter, homeowner, or business owner? If you live or work in Cedar Park and want to help your community, consider running for your neighborhood board!
View the CPN map to check if you live or work in our boundaries (map link).
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CEDAR PARK NEIGHBORS BOARD MEMBERS
Cedar Park Neighbors is the registered community organization (RCO) for the Cedar Park area. As representatives of the community and the organization, CPN Board Members behave in a responsible, accountable organization, promoting the general welfare of the community. The basic responsibilities of a CPN Board Member are:
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Participation in monthly two-hour CPN Board Meetings, which are typically held the 3rd Monday of each month from 7:00-9:00pm. All meetings are virtual until further notice.
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Join a Committee (Scholarship, Zoning, Holiday Food Basket, Jazz, Communications, Transit, or start one that you feel is needed!)
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Encourage neighbors and friends to join CPN and participate in our activities
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Maintain your annual membership during your term
Please note that in order to stand for election as a CPN board member or to vote in the elections, you need to be a current CPN member. Click here to join (or renew membership) with CPN!
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OPPORTUNITIES TO LOVE CEDAR PARK THIS SPRING
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The CPN Park Committee has already launched its season of Park activities. On March 13, we had 15 volunteers come out to wake up the gardens and to take on some Park maintenance chores. Many thanks to Helene, Holman, Bernadine, Eleanor, Jeff, JJ, Jax, Alex, Chris, Wayne, Abby, Scott, Elliot, Pearl and Maureen!
We have more opportunities for others who love Cedar Park, enjoy working outdoors, and want to keep Cedar Park clean and green. There are signs of spring throughout the park. Take a walk and observe the trees and spring bulbs budding.
Our next workday is Saturday, April 10 from 10:00 am – noon. We follow all safety health protocols. Volunteers must wear masks and will work on safely distanced tasks. All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary. It’s fun, good exercise, and you get to meet great neighbors. Our goals for April include general clean up, pruning roses and trees, securing tree fencing, and weeding garden beds in preparation for May planting.
Future work days:
Remember to set your calendar to join us!
May 8 10:00 am – 1:00 pm LOVE YOUR PARK WEEK
June 12 10:00 am – noon
July 10 10:00 am – noon
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PUBLIC (VIRTUAL) MEETING REGARDING DEVELOPMENT AT 48TH AND CHESTER
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Over 100 residents logged in to the Zoom meeting on Mar 24 regarding the proposed multi-family development at 48th and Chester, the site of the former dog park. The representative of the owner (the owner/operator of Renaissance nursing home) presented a revised plan for the project which included a lower height for most of the building, a slightly lower number of units (76 instead of 83), and a redesign that placed a courtyard on the 48th Street side of the building. The plan requires waivers from the Zoning Board, including a zoning adjustment.
The meeting ran well over two hours. Two criticisms were most frequently brought up by residents: (1) parking (many people were skeptical that the planners had realistically thought it through), and (2) affordability. Regarding the latter, the revised plan designates 15 of the units (seven 1-bedroom and eight 2-bedroom units) as affordable, with rents of $725 and $870 respectively (heating is included). Several people questioned whether this was a significant allotment of units, and whether such rents could be considered affordable. The planners pointed out that the plan contains an agreement in writing that at any change in ownership of the building for the next 20 years, those units will be maintained as affordable by any new property owner.
Increased population density was also cited as a concern.
At the end of the meeting, those residents who (following a rather rigid Zoning Board definition) were considered "impacted" by the development were asked to vote. The RCOs* (including Cedar Park Neighbors) invited to the meeting were likewise invited to vote. Several of the RCOs chose to record their vote in a letter to be sent to the hosting RCO rather than voting immediately. As of Sunday night Mar 28, the results had not yet been announced. Note that the city's Zoning Board is empowered to make its decision independently, even if its decision is contrary to the majority vote of the community.
In voting, Cedar Park Neighbors endorsed the project with the proviso that the deed restriction that would ensure the presence of the affordability units be extended from 20 years to 25 years.
* RCO: Registered Community Organization
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SUMMARY REPORT: CPN'S 2020 HOLIDAY BASKET PROGRAM
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The 2020 Holiday Basket event could not be held in the traditional way this past December - another curve thrown at us by the pandemic. Despite this obstacle, a record amount of funds was raised, thanks to the generosity of donors, and $4370 has been distributed in the form of gift cards redeemable at food stores. These cards went to 163 families, totaling 594 people, and provided much-needed funds for those families to put food on the table. Congratulations to our dedicated and hard-working Holiday Basket Committee and a grateful thank-you to the many donors who contributed.
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CPN DESIGNATES FOUR AWARDEES FOR $1000 GRANTS THROUGH UNIVERSITY CITY DISTRICT
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CPN recently participated in a grant program run by the University City District in which a total of $20,000 was allocated among five community organizations to be distributed as small grants ($1000 each) to local businesses. CPN was authorized to give out four grants. CPN is happy to have had this opportunity to drive some help to local businesses. Here are the names of the awardees:
Amari’s Restaurant
Indie-Life Media
Spinning Chairs Barber Shop
The Green Tambourine Music Studio
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STATEMENT BY CEDAR PARK NEIGHBORS ON RACIAL JUSTICE
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George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor - the list of racially motivated murders demands action. Black Lives Matter. The forces of change have motivated movements across the world, in our nation, and within our communities to fight for racial justice. This past Friday, June 19 was Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. Freedom, though, does not guarantee racial equality. Cedar Park Neighbors supports the human rights initiatives and protections embedded in the Black Lives Matter movement. We stand with our black and brown neighbors!
- June 22 2020
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2021-2022 GARY BRONSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
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CPN is working towards another successful campaign to fund more scholarships for local students.
Watch for announcements of the opening of application season.
The names of last year's ten winners of Gary Bronson Memorial Scholarships can be found on the CPN website.
For more information about the scholarship program, see our committee website. You can contribute to fundraising efforts for 2021 awards by donating to the scholarship fund online.
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The Gary Bronson Memorial Scholarship was renamed in 2015 in honor of our visionary neighbor and friend, who founded this scholarship 30 years ago.
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Municipal Primary: May 18th. Elections will be held for a variety of judgeships, for Philadelphia District Attorney, for City Controller, and for Judge of Elections and Inspector of Elections in many wards.
Last day to register to vote: May 3rd
Last day to request a mail-in ballot: May 11th (realistically, you should request it well before then)
Mail-in ballots and civilian absentee ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by May 18th.
Military and overseas absentee ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by May 25th.
Want to know more? The place to start is at the City Commissioners website, www.philadelphiavotes.com.
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MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
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Written and directed by Rich Bradford
March 19—April 18
Pay-What-You-Can
Joseph Bologne - later titled Chevalier de Saint-Georges - was born to an enslaved mother and a wealthy plantation-owning father in the middle of the 18th century. He grew up to be a composer, virtuoso violinist...and a champion fencer! Follow his story, which has modern echoes, in this latest offering from Curio.
"Saint-Georges" is a "multi-disciplinary, ambulatory installation piece designed to encourage social distancing in this time of pandemic." Yes, you walk through the performance as it happens. For reasons of pandemic safety, you must reserve a time slot to experience this work of dramatic art. Visit Curio Theatre's website for details and to reserve a slot.
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This multi-day event includes:
- By-appointment gallery viewing from April 1st-April 10th at the Arts League
- Silent auction on GiveSmart from April 1st-April 10th
- Live Auction and Zoom event on April 10th at 7:30pm
- plus more perks and bonuses by ticket tier!
Bid on art created by local Philly artists and support UCAL!
Tickets and further info available at https://e.givesmart.com/events/k99/
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
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COVID-19, lockdown, loss of income, loss of social interaction - it's a lot to cope with. Cedar Park Neighbors maintains here and on its website a list of resources that may help. We recommend those in our list because they are accepting of sliding-scale fees, especially for "self-pay" beneficiaries (those with minimal or no health care plan).
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REGULAR WEEKLY UPDATE SECTION
This section of the CPN Newsletter will continue to highlight new developments in areas where the COVID-19 health emergency has had an impact on our lives. Additional details can be found on the COVID-19 page on CPN's website, where it is just a click away. |
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CORONAVIRUS: THE CITY'S CURRENT RESPONSE. VACCINATION PLANS
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You can read The City's "Safer at Home" plan gives the fullest description of the current restrictions
Note that restrictions were most recently relaxed on March 1 for a number of activities: retail settings and religious services; senior centers; indoor theaters and performance venues; restaurants, outdoor ,catered events, and other large outdoor events, including sporting events at stadiums. See the city's Feb 26 briefing for details.
Vaccination [Updated 3/10/21]: Philadelphia has opened up vaccination to priority group 1b (additional front-line workers plus everyone 65 or older) as well as 1a (health care professionals and residents of nursing homes). A few smaller groups were added March 19 (including people taking immuno-suppressants, those with intellectual difficulties, clergy, and senior-center workers).
Looking to "sign up" for COVID-19 vaccination? Visit the city's "vaccine interest" site and fill out the requested information (you can also call (215) 685-5488 or email covid@phila.gov if on-line access is an obstacle.). Your name and contact info will be kept in line so you can be informed when a possible vaccine appointment becomes available.
The city publishes a map of sites that will be involved in distributing vaccines (follow the link and scroll halfway down the page). The city emphasizes that these are not walk-in sites, that not all receive vaccine doses yet, and that you cannot make an appointment with them - you can do so only through signing up on the "vaccine interest" website mentioned above.
CCT Special Service: SEPTA's CCT service and the city have teamed up to provide for a ride, courtesy of CCT, to and from the vaccination site at the Convention Center for those 65 and older who could not get there by other means, including mass transit.
- Only for those who have a confirmed appointment for vaccination
- request for a ride should be made at least 72 hours ahead of the appointment date
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WHERE TO FIND RELIABLE COVID-19 INFORMATION
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The City, in partnership with the Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging and with Philabundance, is operating or helping to support several different kinds of free food distribution sites ( https://www.phila.gov/food/#/). These sites operate on different schedules and are aimed at different clienteles, but all serve the purpose of offering free access to food for those in need. All have been operating since early in the pandemic and continue to operate now.
YOU CAN FIND OUT THE LOCATION OF NEARBY SITES ON-LINE AT: https://www.phila.gov/food/#/. Some sites also list schedule information.
Families are encouraged to confirm locations and schedules by calling 311 or visiting phila.gov/food before their first visit to a site. In some cases you may need to call the site to confirm the hours.
You can view further details and suggestions on the CPN website. |
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HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
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Clark Park :
Hours are:
9:30-10:0 for seniors and immunocompromised shoppers
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for general commerce
Rittenhouse:
Market is back on regular Saturday schedule. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
There is also a Tuesday market at this location.
The market plans to return to 9 a.m. -3 p.m. hours as of May 1.
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May 8 2021: 13th Annual Oral Cancer Walk & 5K: sponsored by Penn Dental Medicine. Not so much "virtual" as "remote". Register here and click here for the event flyer.
Free Library of Philadelphia: The Free Library of Philadelphia now maintains a calendar of virtual events and programming!
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge: leads live nature programs on its Facebook page every Tuesday and Thursday until further notice.
Ahimsa House: Ahimsa House is holding some virtual classes, including a poetry reading and a silent meditation. Click to their website for details.
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CPN Board Meeting 2021 Schedule
NOTE: public meetings including public sessions of the Board Meetings are cancelled until further notice due to the ongoing health emergency. The CPN Board will continue to meet in virtual fashion each month. The schedule below is informational only.
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Apr 19
May 17
Jun 21
Jul 19
Aug 16
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Sep 20
Oct 18
Nov 15
Dec 20
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Have a topic, concern, project, or initiative you would like to submit to Cedar Park Neighbors for a potential board meeting presentation? Contact us!
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